Liberia Bomi Field Coordinator

Overview:

Following 14 years of civil war (1989-2003), Liberia’s healthcare system was devastated. Severe shortages of drugs, supplies, qualified clinicians and adequate facilities left most Liberians with little or no access to primary healthcare services. The nations’ most vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women and children, were particularly impacted by the paralysis of primary health care.

Today, Liberia has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world (994 deaths per 100,000 births) and ranks 171st of 192 countries in under-5 mortality. Of every 1,000 children born in Liberia, 110 do not live to reach age 5, of whom 32 do not survive beyond the first month of life.

Most maternal deaths occur during the intrapartum and immediate postpartum periods of the pregnancy (labor, delivery and immediately following delivery) with direct obstetric complications during the intrapartum period accounting for 68% of maternal deaths globally. Causes of maternal and neonatal deaths in Liberia generally reflect the global drivers of mortality, stemming from conditions that are largely preventable and/or treatable with primary healthcare. Liberian mothers most frequently die of postpartum hemorrhage, anemia, eclampsia, unsafe abortion and sepsis.

In October 2009, the Bomi CHT received approval and $2.2 million dollars to develop over the next two years, the systems and services necessary to fully and independently manage their county health system. CHAI has been supporting the county for the past 18 months building capacity of the County Health Team and mentoring clinicians to provide quality health care. This is the first time a county management of the health system is completely decentralized. It is expected that the model they develop will be implemented in the remaining fourteen counties.

Position Overview:

Since 2007, CHAI-Liberia has supported MOHSW in each of the four NHP components with a strong focus on expanding access to quality HIV care and treatment services. Recently supported the MOHSW to develop the new 10 Year National Health Plan and Policy.

CHAI-Liberia seeks an experienced field based project manager with experience in developing countries to work with the Bomi CHT. This person will directly advise and support the current Decentralization Project for the county with focus on improving MNCH services in the county. The person will be the line manager for two additional senior level staff (clinical services mentor and community services mentor) plus CHAI support staff at the field office in Bomi County.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the CHAI Program Manager for Decentralization and Improving MNCH Services in Liberia, the Bomi Field Coordinator will work in Bomi County to:

Act as direct project advisor to the Bomi County Health Team (BCHT). The BDP Field Coordinator will mentor and work directly with the County Health Officer to strengthen the CHO’s capacity to successfully manage the Decentralization and MNCH project.

Ensure the timely and comprehensive role out of the MNCH services Working closely with all members of the CHT, the BDP Field Coordinator will help develop and implement the systems necessary for successful MNCH project implementation and sustainable health improvements. The Coordinator will help create plans and program activities, ensure program supervision; ensure monitoring and evaluation. A large focus will be placed on improving management capacity of the CHT improving service delivery and quality at Bomi’s health facilities (1 Hospital and 21 Clinics). The BDP Coordinator will maintain strong communication with central CHAI to ensure efforts are coordinated and strongly supported with all available knowledge and resources.

Oversee the work of the Community and Clinical Support Mentors The Project Coordinator will oversee the work of the Community and the Clinical Support Mentors who will work primarily with the CHT Clinical supervisor and the Community Health Director to focus on facility-based service and community level work to improve the quality of MNCH services in the county.

Qualifications:

• Advanced clinical or public health degree. • Demonstrated experience in project management including strategy, planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation. • Demonstrated ability to achieve results in a resource‐limited setting; experience in developing countries required. • Exceptional communication and team‐building skills. • Ability to set priorities, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, troubleshoot, and work independently.

Experience with the following is strongly preferred but not required:

• Reproductive Health Services • Supply chain management • Medical facility administration • Supervision of health facilities • Community health services

Candidates should note that this is a field position 1.5 hours by car from the capital city, Monrovia. Housing and transportation will be provided however candidates should be aware that due to infrastructure challenges in Liberia, running water and electricity limitations do exist.

How to apply:

Interested applicants should apply through our website: https://careers-chai.icims.com/jobs/2404/job